Mets reportedly eyeing Twins ace to fortify rotation

The New York Mets need to find at least one top-of-the-rotation starter if they are going to contend for a World Series title. They may have a target in mind.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan is among the arms the Mets are interested in. Heyman further reported that the Twins are believed to be interested in pitching prospect Jonah Tong.

The Mets rotation is filled with question marks. Tylor Megill is expected to miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga battled injuries, with Senga reportedly on the trade block. David Peterson and Clay Holmes were solid last season but are better used toward the middle or back of a playoff-caliber rotation.

Joe Ryan could help transform Mets rotation

Ryan could be a start to that overhaul. He took a step forward to establish himself as a top-of-the-rotation starter in 2025, posting a 3.42 ERA and a 1.035 WHIP over his 171 innings, striking out 194 batters with 39 walks. Ryan is under team control through 2027 and could be a candidate for an extension should he acclimate well to New York.

Tong, the Mets' fourth-best prospect per MLB.com, showed flashes of his potential during an uneven trial toward the end of the season. He posted a 7.71 ERA and a 1.768 WHIP over 18.2 innings, striking out 22 batters with nine walks. 

If Tong can harness his arsenal, he could be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter at minimum. His fastball and changeup are considered plus offerings, and his curve has flashed the potential to be a plus offering. Tong also throws a slider to round out a solid four-pitch mix. There are concerns with his command and ability to withstand a starter's workload, making it possible that Tong ends up in relief. If so, he could be a weapon in the latter innings.

The Twins would likely need more than Tong to send Ryan to New York. However, he could be a nice start to a package that would give the Mets a top-of-the-rotation arm they desperately need.